21

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is complied with in every respect except the establishment of special rules, and negotiations were being carried on, at tbe time of my visit, between the Mines Department and the owners relative to the amendment of special rules submitted by the latter. The coal is as yet thin, but the roof is pood, and as soon as the surface tramways and other works (which are of an unusually difficult and expensive character) are completed, this mine will be in a position to ship a large quantity of coal. 9. Brunner Mine, Orei/movth. — This is an extensive mine, employing about thirty men underground. There is no gas in the workings, but the stone drift which has been driven for proving the fault, contains a small amount. Extensive open wastes exist, and as there is no regular system of ventilation, this mine will require careful management. Gunpowder is stored in the mine, in considerable quantities, in an abandoned working, into which nobody but the manager is authorised to go. Though not a dangerous practice in itself, this is a violation of the Act. Mr. Kennedy has written to you on this subject, also complaining of the operation of Part IV of the Act, relating to the employment of children. The Brunner Mine sometimes stands idle for several days, and then one or more vessels having suddenly arrived in port, all the energies of the workmen and boys are employed to get as much coal as possible in a short time, and load the vessels before the bar becomes unworkable. Thus the whole staff, including boys under sixteen, are working very long hours, much beyond the time allowed by the Act. If the present Act is to be enforced it will necessitate the dismissal of several boys, who will be thrown out of employment, and it will also raise the cost of producing coal, by causing men to be employed in their stead. I reported these violations of the Act to you, but have, as yet, taken no steps for their prevention. Coal Pit Heath Mine, Greijmouth. —This pit was, at the time of my visit, free from explosive gas ; still as this has been recently found, the safety of the workmen will depend on a rigid enforcement of the Act and special rules. General rules 2 and 6 have not been observed, but the manager has taken active measures for observance. The workings of this mine are well timbered and ventilated, and the mine altogether is in good order ; but the thickness of the seam, and the presence of faulty places in the roof, will necessitate the greatest caution. At present a large amount of good slack is wasted, by being thrown into the river, but the owners intend to erect coke ovens, which will, to a certain extent, prevent the waste of so much valuable fuel. Greymouth Company (Walhevd) Mine. —Nothing whatever has been done at this colliery since my former visit as coal viewer (February 17th, 1879), and the conditions of the mine, as described in the report thereon, are such as to require great care and skill in the manngement to prevent accidents. The company still continue to keep the water down in the shaft by pumping, but a considerable sum of money will have to be spent before the shaft and works can be brought into a state of thorough repair. When the second communication with the surface is formed, the ventilation will be much more easily maintained. A fence was erected round the shaft, in compliance with General Rule G, before I left. This colliery has been in the hands of its present owners for nearly eight months, and it is time some steps were taken to re-commence the output of coal. I have, &c, George J. Binns, Inspector of Mines. To the Under-Secretary for Mines.